Optical Design Engineer (Associate or Mid-Level)
Company:
The Boeing Company
Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is looking for an Associate or Mid-Level Optical Design Engineer (Level 2 or 3) to join our exclusive team at the Starfire Optical Range on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
We are seeking a highly skilled Optical Design Engineer to support the advancement of ground-based electro-optical tracking and imaging systems. In this role, you will lead the design, simulation, and integration of high-precision optical systems, transitioning conceptual opto-mechanical frameworks into functional, state-of-the-art experimental hardware. This is an opportunity to utilize cutting-edge design tools and work directly with world-class, large-aperture telescopes at a historically significant military research site.
This position supports the R&D mission of the Air Force Research Laboratory Optics Division in their advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities. The site houses telescope research facilities ranging in size from 0.5m up to 3.5m with advanced optical systems. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting the supporting the development, optimization, and maintenance of control solutions.
Benefits of working at Starfire Optical Range:
Your contributions will directly impact the advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities, a critical mission for our national security
You’ll have the opportunity to work with world-class telescopes and advanced optical systems
You’ll assume ownership for the architecture, development, and long-term health of a key application
You’ll be part of a supportive enthusiastic team of experts in various fields
We are committed to the professional development of our team members and provide opportunities for learning and advancement
Position Responsibilities:
Perform hands-on optical design, ray tracing, and wavefront modeling using industry-standard design tools
Analyze optical system performance, including wavefront error, stray light, and distortion over temperature and structural variations
Design, model, and implement advanced optical architectures
Analyze interferometry, wavefront, and metrology data from real-world optical payloads to refine design tolerances and improve alignment strategies
Design, optimize, and validate complex optical systems in Zemax OpticStudio or Code V
Develop and execute optical bench testing, assembly integration, and interferometric verification to validate physical hardware against design models
Integrate optical designs with precision opto-mechanical mounts, active deformable mirrors, and sensor payloads on stable laboratory and telescope platforms
This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):
This position requires an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)
This position requires ability to obtain U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance or equivalent (Post Start)
Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus in Electrical, Mechanical or Aeronautical), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
2+ years of experience in optical design
2+ years of experience with design, development, testing, and troubleshooting of advanced Electro-Optical Systems
Must be willing to work variable shifts; including days, evenings, nights, and weekends
Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
Mid-Level (Level 3): 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Active U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance
Advanced study in Optical Specialization
Experience working with adaptive optics systems
Experience with high power lasers
Optical…